Cannot use composite model functionality (change your model)

[tuckstar]

I have connected a blank Power BI file to a semantic model on web service.  I want to add additional data from an Excel workbook.  The link which is supposed to enable the functionality (change your model) is not available at the bottom of my screen like I have seen on various videos and outlined in documentation.  I have enabled all the settings in Tenant Settings in the web service, but nothing seems to change.  Any ideas?

[v-kathullac]

Thankyou @ShahRukhSameer , @ShivekMaharaj , @DanieleUgoCopp   for Addressing the issue.

Hi @tuckstar ,

Glad to hear that your issue got resolved by publishing into My workspace  Let us know if you need any further assistance?

Regards,

Chaithanya

[ShahRukhSameer]

Hi,

I faced a similar situation before, and in most cases it comes down to the type of connection being used. The "Change your model" option only appears when the semantic model connection supports a composite model (DirectQuery to the semantic model). If the file was connected using a normal live connection, the option will not be available.

Could you check if you have Build permission on the semantic model and try reconnecting again from Get Data → Power BI semantic models? During the connection process, make sure you select the option that allows making changes to the model (if available).

Also, confirm that you are using the latest version of Power BI Desktop.

If it is still missing, it would help to know whether the semantic model is hosted in Fabric/Premium capacity or shared capacity, as that can affect composite model availability.

[tuckstar · Accepted solution]

Thanks everyone, figured it out with Claude.  The issue was that when I published the report I had published it into MY WORKSPACE.  In order for a semantic report to support a composite model, it has to be saved to a teams workspace.  

I added a new workspace, published the base report to that space and then opened a blank project.  I connected to the team version and immediately have the MAKE CHANGES TO THE MODEL link.

[tuckstar]

Thanks.  I opened a blank project and then connected to the semantic model.  There were no options available other than CONNECT.  Message at the bottom is "CONNECTED LIVE TO THE POWER BI SEMANTIC MODEL:".   

I am not hosted in Premium capacity.

[ShivekMaharaj]

Hi @tuckstar,

If the “Make changes to this model” option is completely missing, I would check the semantic model connection itself before looking at the Excel file.

With a normal live connection to a Power BI semantic model, Microsoft documents that Make changes to this model should be available either from the ribbon or the status bar. Selecting it adds a local model, after which you can bring in additional Import data such as your Excel workbook.

A few things I would verify:

1. Make sure the source you connected to is actually a Power BI semantic model that supports composite models, rather than a source type with different live-connection limitations.
2. Check whether the source semantic model has Discourage DirectQuery connections enabled. Microsoft documents this under DirectQuery connections to published semantic models. If that property is enabled, new composite models cannot be created on top of it.
3. Confirm the tenant setting Allow DirectQuery connection to Power BI semantic models is enabled.
4. If the model is on Premium or PPU, also verify the XMLA endpoint is enabled as documented for composite models.
5. I would also make sure Power BI Desktop is current, then reconnect to the semantic model in a completely new PBIX and check both the Modeling ribbon and the bottom status bar for the option.

The Excel workbook itself does not need to be in the same workspace as the semantic model. Once the local model has been created, adding an Excel table in Import mode is a normal composite-model scenario.

If all of those settings are enabled and the button is still absent, I would next check whether the source semantic model was deliberately configured to block downstream composite models.

[DanieleUgoCopp]

Hello,
I am not completely sure why that button won't appear, but check that the Excel file is in the exact same workspace as your semantic model because mixing them often blocks the composite feature, also try connecting to the semantic model first in a brand new file before you bring in the Excel data, if that still fails just manually merge the queries in Power Query instead of waiting for that link to show up.

Best regards,
Daniele